TTTS, SIUGR, and Premature Birth
Since December is Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) Awareness Month, I wanted to bring you a special Micro Preemie story that is close to my heart. If you’ve been a long-time reader of my blog, then you know my twins suffered from TTTS, SIUGR, and an extremely premature birth.
Today’s micro preemie twins fought a similar battle, but of course, their journey is all their own.
As a part of the TTTS, SIUGR (Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction) community and support groups, I have actually followed today’s family’s journey from the very beginning. It is a truly amazing story, and I’m so happy to be able to share it with you to raise awareness for all three of these conditions.
In case you are not familiar:
From www.tttsfoundation.org, Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a disease of the placenta (or afterbirth) that affects identical twin pregnancies. TTTS affects identical twins (or higher multiple gestations), who share a common monochorionic placenta.
From www.chop.edu, Selective intrauterine growth restriction (SIUGR) occurs when there is unequal placental sharing which leads to suboptimal growth of one twin. In cases of sIUGR, the estimated fetal weight of the smaller, growth-restricted twin usually falls below the 10th percentile. This will usually result in more than a 25 percent weight difference between the twins.
Now, let’s meet Identical twins Rachel and Evelyn, as told by their Dad, Neil.
Rachel and Evelyn
1. Tell us about your babies
2. How long was your NICU stay? What was the hardest part?
3. Do you know what caused your baby’s prematurity?
4. How are you and your babies doing today?
5. What advice would you give to a new Micro preemie parent?
Awareness
Thank you so much to Neil and his family for sharing their story and their beautiful girls. They are truly miracles.
If you, or someone you know, is pregnant with twins, early monitoring is key. It is so important to find out if they are sharing a placenta, and to find a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist. Twin pregnancies can be very complicated, so please get all the information you can.
To find out more please visit The Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation Website or their Facebook Page.
Please leave any supportive comments for Neil, Rachel, and Evelyn below.
shelah moss says
Such little fighters! What an amazing story!
Small Town So(Lace) says
Oh my goodness. I loved seeing how your girls have grown into smiley healthy happy looking little kiddos! What a beautiful blessing.
Stacy taylor says
Oh my, what an adventure these girls have had. I’m so happy to hear they are healthy And doing well.
Stef@CraftyChristian says
So good that they are doing so well now! Modern medicine is amazing!
Amanda Deavers Winter says
Thank you for posting, very brave to talk about such a difficult situation. This will help other mothers going through the same thing.
Belle Bermudez-Tubel says
Love this! Very informative!
One Awesome Momma
Elizabeth Doren says
Best of luck to your twins and them. Great story.
hzajac13 says
I didn’t even know about this. Thanks for sharing. I am so glad these twins are doing okay.
My Daily She says
Wow! I’m so thrilled that both girls are okay, and my heart goes out to their parents–and all parents with children in similar situations.
Jaclyn Bree says
What a great story 🙂 My husband has a lot of twins in his family so I consider myself lucky (but also unlucky because I wouldn’t actually have minded) that I haven’t conceived twins yet. Everyone tells me it doesn’t work that way but . . . there’s seriously a LOT of twins in his family!! I had never heard of these issues until now, and I’m glad that I’m better informed now.
Georgiana says
11 ounces???? WOW. That’s just amazing. I love a happy story like this, and so glad the twins are doing well.
Raquel Harbin says
They are beautiful. Thank you for bringing more awareness to this!
Amanda Marie says
Beautiful babies!! They are fighters!
Julie S. says
Very great awareness post and happy to hear the girls are doing well now and all that scary stuff is in the past.
Samantha Broyles says
What beautiful babies. I am so glad to see they are doing well!
Shortsweetmom says
Thank you for sharing this families story. I have a friend who dealt with TTTS during her pregnancy with identical twins. It is something that really talked about. It is wonderful that you are bringing awareness.
Fullest Mom says
To see their smiling faces warms my heart. 3 and 1/2 years is a long time. I’m glad they are doing so well. I couldn’t imagine what it was like to have them in the NICU for so long.
Mothre Fathre says
Wow. They are 2 strong fighters! I’m glad to hear they are currently doing well. Thank you for sharing their story!